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I came across this and found it interesting in the way he dealt with a panhandler.
Yesterday, I put into practice my new strategy for being an ambassador to these folks. As I exited a store, I saw a panhandler in the distance. I prepared myself to respond to his request. As I approached, he said, “Can you spare any cash?†I said, “I can’t.†(This is true. I’ve allotted my giving elsewhere.) Then I smiled at him and said, “My name is Steve. What’s your name?†I reached out to grasp his hand. “My name’s Jim.†"I'm so glad to meet you, Jim. I'm sorry I can't help with money, but it’s a policy of mine not to give cash to people on the street.†He said, “I understand.†I continued, “How long has it been since you’ve had a good meal?†He said, “Last night.†“I’d be happy to get you something to eat, if that would help.†He was grateful and I went inside the store. Jim preferred to stay outside.Posted by The Vorlon at January 6, 2006 8:34 PMWhen I returned, I sat down with Jim for a minute as he ate. He shared a bit about how he came to be on the street. When I saw that I needed to get going to work, I took a moment to pray for him. My meager gift didn’t meet all his needs, for sure, and many times we don’t have time even for an impromptu interaction like this (perhaps we need to build less busy lives). But the key to this interaction is something any of us can do with any panhandler. Just as I do with servers in restaurants, I asked for this panhandler’s name and communicated to him with my smile that I am happy he exists and happy to have the opportunity to meet him, a fellow bearer of God's image. Isn’t this the message Jesus would have us communicate?
Very good. You hit it right on the head - 'Perhaps we need to build less busy lives'. There is a tremendous amount of truth in that.
Posted by: reborrell at January 6, 2006 8:45 PMWe've actually done similar things on occasion (though I must admit, not always).
Once while on vacation in the Los Angeles area there was a gentleman hanging out around the fast-food restaurant we choose to patronize for breakfast. We bought him a meal, prayed with him over it, and talked briefly. The kids were with us, so we didn't spend a lot of time since they wanted to get to Disney (I know - probably not the best excuse when we're explaining our actions at the pearly gates :).
On another trip, this one just to the grocery store, we met another gentleman in need of a meal, so we stopped into a fast-food restaurant nearby (we weren't eating ourselves), and prayed over the meal and talked with him for a bit.
We could all stand to take a moment out of our lives now and again. I need that reminder frequently.
Posted by: Chad Everett at January 7, 2006 2:08 PMI agree, we all need to be reminded from time to time. Maybe more frequently than time to time.
Posted by: Ted at January 7, 2006 2:44 PMI used to avoid giving money to street people as I figured that they would just use it on booze. Instead, I would offer to buy them a meal. Some would take me up on the offer, others would just walk away.
But, once when I was in San Antonio, a woman in her late 20s with a baby approached me outside of a super market asking for either money to buy diapers or diapers themselves. Since I was in a hurry, I gave her $20, much to the disbelief of my family. I quickly explained that it was not my place to judge her motives as God will ultimately do that anyway. But, this is an issue that I still struggle with.
Posted by: Ned Swift at January 7, 2006 9:49 PMIt's always a tough decision.
Posted by: Ted at January 8, 2006 7:41 AMThe approach seems like a very good way to handle panhandlers. I have given money to people before, but never took time to discuss things with them. Doing that is sure one of the basic responsibilities of Christians. It is just that when actually confronted with the situation, the feelings to move on are strong and just giving money is an easy escape. This may influence me in the future.
Posted by: Dennis at January 8, 2006 11:21 AM